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Harassment & Discrimination

The Department of History is committed to providing support to anyone who has experienced any form of harassment or discrimination that impedes one's right to a safe work environment.

For those in need of help:

Some campus resources are non-confidential and are required to report incidents of harassment to the Office of Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD). Other resources are confidential and are not required to report incidents to anyone.

All faculty members and graduate students in a supervisory capacity (GSIs; research advisors) are "responsible employees" and therefore have a legal requirement to report violations of Title IX policy to OPHD.

If you wish confidentiality, please ask before confiding.

The PATH to Care Center is confidential. (Call 510.643.2005 for the 24-hour hotline. Call 510.642.1988 to schedule appointments.) PATH to Care Advocates provide affirming, empowering, and confidential support for survivors and those who have experienced gendered violence, including: sexual harassment, dating and intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual exploitation. Confidential advocates bring a non-judgmental, caring approach to exploring all options, rights, and resources.

The Social Services branch of the Tang Center is confidential. (Call 510.642.6074 for the general line. Call 855.817.5667 in case of an after-hours emergency.) Tang Center therapists provide emotional counseling to survivors of sexual harassment and violence. Note that Tang Center doctors also provide medical help but are required to report violent injuries.

The UC Police Department (UCPD) has extensive training in handling sexual assault cases and will treat survivors with respect and sensitivity. (Call 911 or 510.642.3333 in case of an emergency.) UCPD officers will ensure that survivors receive medical care. Charges can be filed with UCPD, but the decision to file charges does not have to be made immediately; reporting is typically non-confidential.

The Office of the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) (510.643.7985) responds to reports of harassment and discrimination of any kind, either through "alternative resolution" involving simple and discreet actions at the Department level (often involving the Department Chair), or through more extensive "formal investigations" that can lead to disciplinary action by the University administration. Although OPHD is a non-confidential "office of record" — meaning they record all information they are provided — that information is shared only on a need-to-know basis. Click here for OPHD's answers to frequently asked questions.

The Gender Equity Resource Center provides resource referrals for sexual violence, harassment, gender transition, hate crimes, and hostile environments. Like all the other non-confidential offices listed here, they hold privacy sacred but are obligated to report incidents of harassment as mandated by law.

Gender Equity and Climate Advisorsserve as pointers within the Berkeley Department of History to on-campus resources. We can also help to devise solutions to climate problems within the Department that do not necessarily involve formal investigations. Please note that if you share details of an incident that violates University policy under Title IX, EDI Advisors are subject to "responsible employee" rules and do not have confidential status. That said, like the other non-confidential resources linked here, we are committed to keeping information private to the extent possible.

For those looking to help a student:

The "Students of Concern" Committee provides help in dealing with a student who displays concerning, disruptive, or distressed behavior. The Students of Concern Committee is non-confidential and shares information among strategic partners concerned about student welfare. They also provide 1-hour training sessions to help supervisors recognize students in need.

If you are a student who has been charged with violating the code of student conduct:

Respondent Services, a branch of the Student Affairs Case Management team, provides information and referrals to students who have been charged with student conduct violations. Respondent Services does not provide legal counsel.

If you are a faculty or staff member who has been accused of harassment:

OPHD (510.643.7985) can also be contacted, either by you or by someone of your behalf, for guidance.

If you are in need of more generic conflict resolution:

The Ombuds Offices provide confidential guidance on resolving conflicts. "What is said in the Cottage [of the Ombuds Offices], stays in the Cottage": communications to the Ombuds offices do not place the University "on notice." Ombuds officers help people think through their options and help devise strategies to de-escalate and resolve conflict in an impartial manner.

The Staff Ombuds Office serves Staff, Non-Senate academics, and Faculty who perform management functions, including Deans, Chairs, and Directors (unfortunately, not all faculty can be directly served; many faculty-faculty conflicts are handled by the Academic Senate).

Acknowledgements

These resources were initially gathered by the Astronomy Chair and Astronomy Climate Advisors for the Department of Astronomy’s website, and are used here in adapted form with their permission. Content has been revised and edited for the Department of History.